Tamworth woman seeks private care for long Covid symptoms

An 18-year-old woman from Tamworth, Tilly Galloway, has faced health challenges from long Covid for five years. After experiencing symptoms like heart issues and fatigue, she sought help from a private clinic when she felt dismissed by the NHS. Tilly caught Covid-19 when she was 12, and her life has drastically changed since then. Tilly, who used to be very active, now struggles with basic daily tasks. Sometimes, she needs to use a wheelchair just to go outside. She has often been told by medical professionals that her symptoms were due to anxiety. "It just constantly feels like you're fighting a losing battle," she said. Initially, Tilly was diagnosed with asthma, but later tests revealed she does not have that condition. After further investigations, she was diagnosed with postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS), a heart condition linked to long Covid. The help she received from the NHS did not meet her needs, leading her mother to seek alternative options. They found Dr. Ben Sinclair, a GP who runs a private long Covid clinic. He has personal experience with the illness and conducts research on it. He explained that Tilly's case is complex and can vary greatly from person to person. Tilly's mother, Nicola, has spent about £20,000 on private care, which has been a financial burden. However, she believes the investment is worth it as Tilly shows signs of improvement. Currently, Tilly is receiving treatment that involves daily medication. She is being home-schooled and is working toward her maths GCSE. She hopes to become a children's paediatric nurse in the future. The NHS continues to encourage those with long-term symptoms after Covid to consult their GP for support and treatment options.